Polish, Fungus, and Lies: Inside New Brunswick’s Nail Black Market — and the Cosmetology Association That’s Nowhere to Be Found
In a province that claims to regulate its beauty industry, unlicensed services flood the market while the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick looks away — or worse, enables. This story is not about nails; it’s about neglect, complacency, and the public cost of silence.
I’ve lived with nail fungus for over a decade — the result of a “professional” manicure gone wrong. That was someone licensed. Now? New Brunswick’s Facebook Marketplace is flooded with unlicensed, untraceable individuals offering manicures out of basements and bedrooms.
When I asked a few of them for licenses or credentials, I was told:
- “I’m just a student.”
- “I’ll get licensed soon.”
- “Why are you even asking? Everyone does it.”
